🔥 Chapter 27 — Planning the Counterstrike
The eastern borderlands were quiet, a deceptive calm after the destruction of the hub's crystal. Kael and Rhyne surveyed the landscape from a high ridge, the Ember coiled around Kael like a living shield, faintly pulsing with residual energy.
Rhyne broke the silence. "We've delayed the King's plans, but this is temporary. The eastern forces won't stay weak forever. He'll respond—and fast."
Kael nodded, eyes narrowing. "Yes. But we now have intelligence on how his hubs work, how the crystals amplify his generals' power. If we strike strategically, we can turn that advantage into a counterstrike that cripples his operations across multiple regions."
Rhyne raised an eyebrow. "You mean more than just attacking hubs? What's your plan?"
Kael spread his hands, Ember threads spiraling outward. "We can destabilize his network one hub at a time, but we also need to anticipate his generals' movements. Each node is a command point. If we destroy a hub and ambush the forces it empowers, we weaken them before they even reach the battlefield. That's how we turn delay into decisive advantage."
Rhyne nodded thoughtfully. "We'll need allies. And information. The King's network is vast—one mistake, and we could walk right into his trap."
Kael's flames flared brighter, Ember coiling in anticipation. "We move fast. We divide our forces into reconnaissance and strike units. I'll take the lead with you—locate the next hub, destabilize it, and guide the reinforcements. Meanwhile, scouts will track the King's generals and report back. Coordination will be key. The King may be powerful, but his network is predictable if we understand the hubs' flow."
Rhyne's eyes gleamed with determination. "Then let's not waste time. Every moment counts. If we want to have any hope of stopping the King, we have to strike decisively."
Kael nodded, Ember spiraling into a tight, controlled storm around him. "Agreed. This war isn't about brute force anymore—it's strategy, timing, and understanding. The King has tested us, and now it's our turn to force him onto the defensive."
The wind swept across the eastern plains, carrying the faint hum of residual magic. Kael and Rhyne looked toward the horizon, ready to launch the next phase of their campaign—one that could finally turn the tide against the Harrowed King.